Blog

State Symbols of the Smokies: Where Tennessee and North Carolina’s Natural Heritage Meets There’s something magical about the Great Smoky Mountains that captures your heart the moment those blue-hazed ridges come into view. As someone who’s spent years writing about these ancient mountains, I can tell you they’re not just a beautiful backdrop—they’re a living […]

Exploring the United States: A Journey Through 50 States and Beyond There’s something magical about the United States that keeps drawing me back. Whether I’m hiking through the misty trails of the Great Smoky Mountains or exploring the vast diversity of states across the nation, America’s landscape never ceases to amaze me. After years of

The Peaceful Side of the Smokies: Why Solo Travelers Are Flocking to This Mountain Haven There’s something magical about standing alone on a misty mountain trail, breathing in the crisp air of the Smokies with nothing but the sounds of nature surrounding you. As someone who’s been writing about these majestic mountains for years, I’ve

Beyond the Lodge: Unusual Accommodations Near U.S. National Parks As someone who’s spent years exploring and writing about the Smoky Mountains, I’ve become something of a connoisseur when it comes to unique places to rest your head in America’s natural treasures. While the misty valleys and ancient forests of the Smokies will always hold a

Exploring America’s National Parks: My Journey Through All 63 National Treasures Have you ever dreamed of experiencing the breathtaking beauty of all of America’s national parks? As someone who’s spent years writing about the misty valleys and majestic peaks of the Smoky Mountains, I recently came across an inspiring story about someone who turned this

The Magical Allure of the Great Smoky Mountains: America’s Most Beloved National Park There’s something almost mystical about waking up to the sight of fog dancing between ancient mountains. As someone who’s spent countless mornings watching the sun rise over the ridgelines of the Smokies, I can tell you there’s simply no place quite like

Hiking Adventures: From the Smoky Mountains to Monterrey, Mexico As someone who’s spent years exploring and writing about the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, I can tell you there’s nothing quite like witnessing a fellow outdoor enthusiast discover these natural wonders for the first time. That’s exactly what happened when Lansing Journal intern Olivia Mapes recently

Interstate 40 Reopens in the Great Smoky Mountains After Nine-Day Closure As someone who’s spent years exploring and writing about the enchanting landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains, I’ve seen this treasured region weather many storms. The recent reopening of Interstate 40 through the Smokies marks another chapter in the area’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane

Summer Safety Alert: Avoiding Algal Blooms in North Carolina Waters As the summer heat intensifies across North Carolina, I find myself reminiscing about cooler days spent hiking along the pristine streams of the Great Smoky Mountains. There’s something magical about those crystal-clear mountain waters that has captivated me throughout my years writing about the region.

In Support of Tracy Fitzmaurice: A Dedicated Library Director in the Smoky Mountains Nestled in the heart of the majestic Smoky Mountains, the Jackson County Public Library stands as a beacon of knowledge and community service. Having spent years exploring and writing about this enchanting region, I’ve always been impressed by the cultural institutions that